Louise Eva Whittington, 91, of Marion Station, MD was born August 28, 1931, and departed this life on Thursday, October 14, 2022, in her home surrounded by family.
She was a faithful member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities.
Louise enjoyed shopping, traveling, fine dining and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her kindness, loved writing, and often sent cards and notes to remain connected to lifelong friends. She cherished her family and was a wealth of knowledge regarding family history and the Holden lineage.
She was the youngest of 10 siblings born to the late Burtran and Jencie Holden. She attended Somerset County Public Schools and graduated from Crisfield Colored High School. Louise received her formal education at Morgan State College and later pursued a career in nursing.
In 1957, Louise married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, the late Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington. Together they advanced the civil rights movement, while she was a force for change in her community. In fact, Louise was the first black woman to integrate McCready Hospital of Crisfield, MD. She was also the first black nurse employed by a white physician, Dr. Norman Barr also of Crisfield, MD. Following her career in nursing she became a supervisor at the Somerset County Department of Social Services where she retired after approximately 30 years of service.
Louise was a philanthropist and had a love for people. She firmly believed that the practice of treating everyone with dignity and respect had served her well. She would often say, “You have to respect yourself and others. You can’t demand respect unless you give it.”
She leaves to cherish fond memories: one sister, Lois Ward; a special nephew and caregiver, Kirk E. Holden, Sr. (Bonnie); who she affectionately called son; three godsons, Anthony Ward, Jr. (Denean), Leon Ward (Alisha) and DeWayne Cane; two goddaughters, Hope Ward Austin and Lena Ward; three sisters-in-law, Evola Maddox, Ethel Taylor, and Shellie Jones; a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington; three brothers, Earl Holden Sr., Fulton Holden, William Holden; five sisters, Sarah Collins, Lola Long, Etta Kersey, Vivian Hall and Hilda Fitchett.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 21, 2022, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 5355 Cornstack Road, Marion Station, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Church. Interment will be at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron, MD immediately following service.
15 Responses
Louise was a kind, in spiritual individual, that everyone loved and going to miss. Our heart felt condolences to the family. Chester Borden and family of Raleigh.NC. formless from Marion Station, Maryland. We love you Louise.
May God Continue to Bless and keep The Family. I am Praying for All of You. God is too Perfect to make A Mistake. A Man is Promised Three Score and 10. She live 4 Score already being Blessed. I 💗 you All
I will always love you. Enjoy eternity with your beloved husband 😘 💕 💔😥😥😥
Condolences to the Holden & Whittington families. Another Angel has gained her wings. May God Bless You All. RIP my friend
The Fitchett Family
Take your rest, Cousin Louise. I’ll cherish your memory. 💔🖤
Mrs Louise I will always remember you. We would always talk on the phone 3 or 4 times a year. I last called you on your birthday August 28th and even though you were going through some trials and tribulations n had some rough hills to climb, I never once heard you complain but only give God the praise. May GOD take you in his loving arms and give you rest. I truly loved talking with u and will always cherish our friendship. Samuel T. Bowyer
Good night to a fine lady. God blessed her with wisdom and longevity. We shall always treasure all the times that we shared. My prayers and condolences will be with the family during this period of grief.
My brother Kirk,
You were a true and faithful servant to Ms. Louise.
Rest In Peace cousin Louise. Sharing the same Birthday with you was such an honor. Love you so much. 💗
Ms. Louise was so sweet and kind. To know her was to Genuinely “LOVE” her! She lived and practiced the Golden Rule! Heaven has gained an Angel! So long for now Ms. Louise!
My heart was sadden to hear the passing of my dear friend Louise. She and her husband were always kind to me. Take comfort in knowing she’s at peace and no longer suffering. She has a new and glorified body. She will truly be missed. My prayers are with the entire family. We are just a phone call away.
“The First Lady” of many firsts. May Jesus’ loving care comfort you as you remember your family love one.
Our prayers and condolences are with the Holden-Whittington family. My Aunt Ida, Aunt Lil and Aunt Hazel were Louise’s “aunts” as well. She was a family friend, my coach’s wife, and shared a wedding anniversary date. I will miss our phone calls and greeting cards.
Cubby and Dee
Just hearing of Mrs. Louise passing. She was a kind and gentle soul full of love and encouragement. She will be truly missed. Her and her husband Dwayne were truly a blessing to my ministry while I was in the Somerset community. Reunited at last with her husband and savior Jesus Christ. Home at last R.I.P. child of God. Reverend Alan Gould Sr.
Deepest sympathies to the Holden and Whittington Families. She earned her wings and was a kind sole. High standards and a fighter. Rest In Peace Ms. Louise. Charlene Rolley O’Bryant